Jackson Gatlin here, the host of the daily Locked On Rockets podcast, with your daily Locked On Rockets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Rockets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Jalen Green & Alperen Sengun Third Quarter TAKEOVER As Houston Rockets Blowout Washington Wizards
Rockets Third-Quarter Surge: Green and Sengun Shine
The Houston Rockets showcased their ability to “flip a switch” in a commanding 135-112 victory over the Washington Wizards. Despite a sluggish start, the Rockets found their rhythm, thanks to a spectacular third-quarter performance led by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Initially, the team seemed out of sync, allowing the Wizards to take an early lead. However, a crucial 7-0 run at the end of the first half set the stage for a remarkable turnaround.
Green, battling a sore knee, demonstrated his superstar potential by scoring 22 points in the third quarter alone, tying his career high. He finished the game with 29 points, shooting 10-of-22 from the field and 7-of-15 from three-point range. His ability to ignite the offense was complemented by Sengun’s dominance in the paint. After a slow start, Sengun found his groove, using his strength to overpower the Wizards defense, adding 14 of his own points in the third quarter. The duo combined to score 36 of the Rockets 40 points in the third frame.
Defensive Prowess and Amen Thompson’s Impact
The Rockets defense played a pivotal role in their victory, forcing the Wizards into 18 turnovers and converting them into 35 points. This defensive intensity, a cornerstone of the team’s identity, was crucial in turning the game around. The Rockets ability to capitalize on these opportunities highlighted their growth and potential as a formidable team.
Amen Thompson’s performance was another standout aspect of the game. With 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, Thompson’s impact was felt on both ends of the floor. His presence in the starting lineup has added a new dimension to the Rockets play, providing energy and versatility. Thompson’s ability to contribute significantly despite not being a traditional shooter underscores his value to the team.
The Rockets victory over the Wizards was a testament to their potential and growth. Green and Sengun’s performances, combined with the team’s defensive prowess and Thompson’s impact, highlight the Rockets ability to compete at a high level. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Rockets strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Fred VanVleet’s solid performance and potential injury concern
- The importance of closing out games against weaker opponents
Jan 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a fouled was not called against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Smoothie King Center. | Matthew Hinton/Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
How can you know in the NBA if something’s real?
If a team really is on a sustainable upward trajectory, or if they’ve overachieved? If a player whose name has become synonymous with trade talks really wants out (or in somewhere else, depending on how you’re looking at it)? How can you tell the difference between talent and development, and when does it start to matter? And how do you know that regular season dominance will translate into postseason competence, let alone contention?
I’ve been thinking about NBA mirages, the things we will ourselves into believing over the course of a season, as a few of the league’s prominent storylines play out. What constitutes an NBA mirage is that it has justenough staying power at a distance, but like the real thing, when you start to interrogate it up close its corporeal outlines vanish.
Trades are a huge generator of NBA mirages. I hate to think how many ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine tool is pumping out per hour as the trade deadline approaches. Jimmy Butler’s request for a trade out of Miami is one of the reasons I started thinking about them, specifically, where they shift from fantasy to reality. The prospect of a trade, for Butler, is as solid as the car he gets in to drive himself to Heat games. For Pat Riley and the Heat’s front office, the trade’s an illusion (delusion, maybe, if you asked Riley). What’s real to them is Butler’s behaviour, which they emphasized by suspending him for seven games.
Does Butler, since then reported to have asked both the Bucks and the Grizzlies not to trade for him, make his potential trade more real by narrowing its scope? Or is he limiting himself and his chances of an exit — any exit — from Miami?
Shifting from trades to returns, Zion Williamson’s back on the floor in New Orleans. Williamson’s dunks, like his first in-game slam last night since early November, have a knack for calling to mind immediately the contours of the earth under your feet. I tend to curl my toes against the ground, checking it’s still there. Why then, does he make me think of mirages? The hope for Williamson, since he entered the league, has been consistency — in his health, his game, his career.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Injury Jabari Smith Jr. is making progress in his recovery. Rockets fans are eager to see when he will return to the lineup after being sidelined. (The Dream Shake)
Replay The Houston Rockets dominated the Washington Wizards with a decisive 135-112 victory, thanks to stellar performances by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. Watch the highlights to relive the action. (The Dream Shake)
Analysis Amen Thompson’s addition to the starting lineup has injected new energy and efficiency into the Rockets. His impact is evident as the team looks to capitalize on his dynamic playmaking skills. Analyze his contributions. (Sports Illustrated)
Roster Cam Whitmore is finding his rhythm with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, bringing renewed energy and skill to the Rockets’ affiliate. This development is crucial for his future contributions to the main roster. Read about his progress. (Sports Illustrated)
Prediction Updated win-loss predictions for the NBA reveal the anticipated outcomes for the rest of the 2024-25 season. The Rockets’ performance and potential are closely examined as they aim for a strong finish. Check the predictions. (Bleacher Report)
Watch Amen Thompson’s exceptional athleticism is turning heads and significantly boosting the Rockets’ performance this season. (CBS Sports)
Must Read Amid Pacific wildfires, Steve Kerr and JJ Redick’s families have evacuated the area. (CNN)
Biz What the EuroLeague and IMG’s new deals mean for the future of basketball in Europe. (The Athletic)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Tuesday’s Key Fantasy Basketball Notes
Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) signals to his team during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA action brought a mix of surprises and disappointments across seven games. The Phoenix Suns, despite their recent lineup changes, continue to underperform, raising questions about their strategy and team dynamics.
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a significant setback, losing to a depleted Dallas Mavericks team. This loss highlights ongoing concerns about the Lakers’ consistency and ability to compete against even weakened opponents.
In a thrilling finish, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks showcased his clutch abilities by sinking a half-court shot to secure a victory. Young’s performance was stellar throughout the game, finishing with an impressive 24 points and 20 assists.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
Several key players were sidelined due to injuries or illness. Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs is out with a back issue, potentially impacting his trade value. Jerami Grant’s facial contusion continues to sideline him, opening up opportunities for players like Deni Avdija.
The Philadelphia 76ers are facing challenges with both Joel Embiid and Paul George out, though not due to a back-to-back situation. This absence further complicates the 76ers’ season, which has already been marred by inconsistency.
Ausar Thompson’s absence due to illness raises concerns, especially given his history of health issues. While the exact nature of his current condition remains unclear, fans and fantasy managers alike are hoping it’s not as serious as his previous bout with blood clots.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire has seen some interesting movement, with Bryce Sensabaugh emerging as the most-added player despite missing a game due to illness. Ryan Dunn and Nikola Jovic have also seen increased interest, though their long-term value remains questionable.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Rockets podcasts.
How Houston Rockets COLLAPSED In Final Seconds Vs Nets Despite 20/20 Game In Alperen Sengun’s Return Can the Houston Rockets bounce back after their heart-wrenching loss to the Brooklyn Nets? With Fred VanVleet’s absence glaringly felt, the Rockets struggles in the clutch moments raise questions about their late-game execution and strategy.
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